Being diagnosed with cancer can be one of the scariest things that a person has to deal with. Regardless of your age, gender, or religion, cancer doesn't discriminate. All of the unknowns, millions of questions, and constant uncertainty can consume the mind and really affect a persons well being. It is important to not let a cancer diagnosis define you and cause you to lose interest in the things you once loved and lose sight of your hopes and dreams. Here are some tips to keep in mind and help guide you:

Don't allow your cancer diagnosis to take over who you are and what you enjoyed doing before finding out you have cancer. As long as you are able to, make time for your hobbies. If you enjoy doing crafts and creating DIY projects, be sure to make that a priority on your schedule. If reading novels is something that makes you happy and you are well enough to do so, be sure to include it in your daily routine.

When going through this difficult time it is not uncommon for your mind to be bogged down with things like what will happen at your next doctor's appointment or when your next round of treatment will be. It is important to keep your friends and family close. Spending time with loved ones may be just what you need to aid you in keeping your mind in a positive and hopeful state.

One of the most powerful feelings that a cancer diagnosis can bring is fear. Its important try to let go of fear and all of the "what if's" that a person may be thinking upon being diagnosed with cancer. Living every moment and embracing every single day can really have a positive effect on your mind and body. Focusing on positive thoughts will help put you in a place of hope and optimism.

Being diagnosed with cancer shouldn't be a reason to stop following your dreams. Regardless of your age, if you have hopes, dreams and goals for your life and your future, don't lose sight of them. Whether your goal is to be a writer, to start your own business, to earn a college degree, or to travel the world. Don't let a cancer diagnosis put those dreams to rest. Continue to stay on track and try your best to think of your diagnosis as a bump in the road.

A cancer diagnosis is not something that anyone expects to receive from his or her doctor. But if it does happen, it's important to not let cancer consume your entire life and take over everything that was. Take these tips into consideration and remember; you were you before you had cancer and you will continue being you after cancer.

Tags: cancer, cancer diagnosis

< OlderNewer > Joined MCA in 2009Develops medical content and outreach effortsSpecializes in cancer support programs and social media campaignsAdvocate for the integration of complementary / alternative medicine in cancer treatment

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A cancer diagnosis is not only extremely physically demanding for a person as they begin treatment; a diagnosis is also very challenging mentally as well. For a patient beginning their journey through their disease, 20+ year cancer survivor, author, and CEO and President of The Cancer Club, Christine Clifford provides 9 tips to stay mentally and emotionally strong.

1. Take four steps forward: speak with an surgeon, an oncologist, a radiologist and a psychologist. These four people can help you get moving in the right direction.

2. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. In adverse situations, you always learn who your friends are, and who they aren't. Leave the ones that are not supportive behind. Embrace the ones that are.

3. Realize that your life will never be the same. But that doesn't mean you won't have a good life or a better life. It just means it will be different. The sooner you can embrace your cancer, the sooner you will be able to move forward.

4. Research all the possibilities. Read books, visit the internet, and listen to tapes on the topic of cancer, but also on topics such as fear, serenity, hope, overcoming obstacles.

5. Do something special for yourself. Treat yourself to something that will make you feel pampered: a massage, a change in hair color, buy a new outfit, or take a trip.

6. Don't beat yourself up. Instead, ask yourself, "What am I supposed to learn from this challenge, and how might I do things differently?"

7. Find Happiness. Remember: YOU are the source of your happiness; not somebody else. A positive attitude will help tremendously in getting through your treatments.

8. Learn to forgive. Harboring negative feelings will only slow down the progress of moving forward. Gather the tools and skills to find forgiveness through your church/synagogue, counseling, books and tapes, family and friends.

9. Don't forget to laugh!TM Laughter is still the best medicine!

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The 7th Annual Lungleavin Day is all but a memory now. The remnants of a great night are all around; the shards of plates around the cold coals of the extinguished fire, the ice lanterns are nothing more than globes of ice, the dining room table still has the serving dishes used for the night sitting on it, all cleaned and waiting to be put in the storage bin until next year. The silent auction donations are still in their places and phone calls have been made to all the winners. This week will be spent delivering them and picking up the donations so generously made for mesothelioma research. What can't be seen is the gratitude that my husband, daughter and I have in our hearts for all of the love and support that so many have given us.

There were many things that went into making this year’s celebration special. There was the help from my very talented designer friends in making signs and setting up the auction. We also had some very special guests, Mary Hesdorffer, Director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, who flew all the way from the East coast to be here with us and celebrate, and 2 other mesothelioma patients. One is newly diagnosed and facing surgery in less than a month. Another is a 4-year peritoneal mesothelioma patient who is currently battling a reoccurrence, but is doing well. He is a musician and toward the end of the night he sang and played his mandolin—it was the perfect addition to our celebration. There was one sad note, the passing of a dear friend earlier in the week that made my heart ache. Her funeral was the same day and, although I could not be there, I dedicated the night in honor of Pam, my dear, fierce warrior friend. She would have loved knowing the night was in honor of her and perhaps she did.

My husband spent days getting the back yard, where the bonfire is, ready for the smashing of the plates. It looked like a winter wonderland with blue lights surrounding the area and the ice globe lanterns we made sitting around glowing softly. It was almost magical.

People started showing up before 6:00 and the house quickly filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. A full on party was happening! At one point, I just paused and looked around, if I never had cancer, this would not be happening. This is where the saying of a double-edged sword comes in. It was horrible going through all we went through, the first year was hell and there have been ups and downs along the way. But looking around my packed house, hearing kids laughter from upstairs where all the kiddos where playing, and seeing all the love and support makes it all part of who my husband and I are today. It's ok! Better than ok!

I have a purpose in my life now, a mission. And if I take this tragedy and turn it around to make something good? Then it was all worth it. Lungleavin Day is more than just an anniversary of getting my lung removed, it signifies HOPE, rebirth, moving forward, and conquering those fears that can impede you from achieving what you are meant to do. The night has become a night to be treasured among my circle of friends and family; a night of true celebration and a night of LIFE.

More importantly, we were able to raise a good amount of money for mesothelioma research and awareness education. This is my second year using the event as a fundraiser and I am totally in awe of the generosity of people and businesses who are willing to donate their goods and services to help my cause. We had over 30 items for the silent auction, everything from gift cards to photography sessions to tickets to a local comedy club. Amazing the variety of things and something for everyone. Every single item was bid on, so I call that a success. As of the end of the party, over $4500 had been raised. I sat there at the end of the night and tears of gratitude fan down my cheeks as the money was being counted. In this disease, every bit of money raised is a huge help, so I'm proud to do what I can and it couldn't be done without the support of all of our loved ones.

Each year, as soon as it’s over, we start talking about how to make next year better—and the next, and the next. Even planning the 10th! I hope you all come along with me on this journey.

Like I always say, “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death.” You've got to live! And I've got some living to do!

Happy Lungleavin Day to you all!

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This morning in our thoracic oncology tumor board discussion, we reviewed a case of a 72 year-old man who is now diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) that is too advanced to consider surgery, and who is rather debilitated from emphysema and other longstanding medical problems. The best studied treatment for MPM is the chemotherapy combination of cisplatin and Alimta (pemetrexed), which has a proven survival benefit compared with cisplatin alone1. But cisplatin is an older chemotherapy agent that is notoriously challenging for even many fit patients to tolerate. This raises the question of whether there might be an alternative approach for patients who are unlikely or unwilling to tolerate the anticipated side effects of a cisplatin/Alimta combination, which often include nausea/vomiting, possible kidney damage, hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling from nerve damage), and sometimes other issues not typically seen with carboplatin. The data from a large European registry2 provide reassurance that the generally better tolerated combination of carboplatin/Alimta can provide comparable benefit for patients who are not candidates for the standard cisplatin-based regimen.

The report available describes the experience of a total of 1704 patients with confirmed and unresectable MPM who received Alimta with either cisplatin (in 843 patients) or carboplatin (861 patients) in an expanded access protocol that made Alimta available to appropriate patients and collected data on how patients fared on this treatment. Despite the median age of the carboplatin/Alimta group being 4 years older than the recipients of cisplatin/Alimta (66 vs. 62), the efficacy of the carboplatin doublet was completely comparable to that of the more established but more challenging cisplatin/Alimta combination. Specifically, carboplatin/Alimta and cispatin/Alimta were associated with a nearly identical median time to progressive disease (6.9 and 7.0 months, respectively) and overall survival at one year (64.0% vs. 63.1%, respectively), with just a relatively modest difference in the response rate on imaging (26.3 vs. 21.7%, respectively).

It is important to note that this isn’t a true randomized trial, so it isn’t a pure comparison of nearly identical groups. There may be differences in the patients who were recommended to receive carboplatin or cisplatin, but one would expect that the bias would be that the more fit patients were more likely to receive cisplatin, while patients felt less likely to be able to tolerate the standard treatment of cisplatin might have been recommended to receive carboplatin instead. In fact, the four year difference in median age, with younger patients more likely to be assigned to receive cisplatin, is consistent with this idea. But this would only be expected to bias results in favor of the cisplatin/Alimta recipients if they were more likely to be younger and more fit. Despite this presumed bias, those receiving carboplatin performed just as well.

Another important point is that the results in this “real world” expanded access protocol were every bit as good, and in fact in many ways a little better, than the results in the well-controlled randomized trial that led to the approval of Alimta as a treatment for MPM. This illustrates that both the cisplatin/Alimta and carboplatin/Alimta treatment strategies are both feasible and effective for MPM in less selected patients than those eligible for the controlled trial – that regular patients and presumably those with more medical problems can still benefit from these chemotherapy combinations.

My personal preference is still to favor cisplatin/Alimta as the preferred and better studied combination for patients I believe are well enough to tolerate it. But when faced with the common scenario of a patient who is not a strong candidate for the potentially rigorous FDA approved combination, I’m happy to know that an acceptable substitute has been demonstrated in hundreds of patients to provide a very comparable utility for MPM.

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REFERENCES:

Vogelzang NJ, Rusthoven JJ, Symanowski J, et al. Phase III study of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin versus cisplatin alone in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. J Clin Oncol 2003; 21: 2636-2644.Santoro A, O’Brien ME, Stahel, RA, et al. Pemetrexed plus cisplatin or pemetrexed plus carboplatin for chemonaive patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Results of the international Expanded Access Program. J Thorac Oncol 2008; 3: 756-763.

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Our nation’s veterans are the population most at risk for developing mesothelioma. Because asbestos exposure was unavoidable for many, mesothelioma is still one of the most deadly diseases that affect veterans even today.

For veterans concerned about their risk of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is here to help.

Find information on the exposure risks for each branch of service:

ArmyAir ForceMarinesNavy – the branch most known for developing mesothelioma, due to use of asbestos in naval ships and shipyards. To find out if you were exposed: Ships –Search the ship you worked on to learn if asbestos was present onboard.Shipyards –Search shipyards known for asbestos exposure during construction and repair of ships.

I am serving/recently served in Iraq. Is this still an issue for me?

Iraq has no bans or regulations on asbestos use. It has been used in construction projects in recent years.If structures with asbestos are damaged, asbestos fibers can become airborne and put soldiers at risk of inhalation.

I think I may have been exposed to asbestos. What should I do now?

Visit a veteran treatment center if you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. There are also doctors and cancer centers that specialize in mesothelioma treatment; search the facilities and doctors in your area. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease, you could be eligible for compensation from the responsible party/parties. Every case is different, but seeking legal support can help ease the burden of the financial stress a disease can bring.

Going through a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event. The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is a unique and large community of victims and supporters who are willing to help.

Visit MCA’s Facebook page to connect with over 49,000 community members who can answer questions, share experiences, and offer their support.Visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog for valuable resources for cancer patients and caregivers, timely information about the disease, and stories of inspiration from other Mesothelioma Warriors.Tags: air force, army, cancer, facebook, legal support, marines, mesothelioma, mesothelioma and veterans, mesothelioma lawyer, mesothelioma treatment centers, navy, navy ships, navy shipyards, veteran treatment centers, veterans

< Older Builds cancer awareness through social media and bloggingPassionate about helping veterans learn about military service health risksAdvocate for holistic complementary therapies in cancer treatmentFocuses on the wellbeing of mind, body & spirit

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OVER 86: ENG 232/1 (Compton 100* Finn 0*) A full ball from Southee, Compton works it to leg and they run a single. Well batted Nick. Ah, that's brilliant stuff, good on him. It was a hell of a sweat in the last ten overs or so, but he has gritted his way through to a century that should, I think, earn him a stint at the top of the England order. Finn keeps his end up: ducks a bumper and then is allowed to leave a couple. Beaten by one. The next over of the day will be the last, and Compton is on strike. Thank heavens he got the ton in this over!

David says: "Shame about Cook, however sets things up nicely for Pietersen to get in early tomorrow and redeem himself with a quick fire double century!"

OVER 85: ENG 231/1 (Compton 99* Finn 0*) Steve Finn comes in as nightwatchman and does really well to dig out a savage yorker first ball.

WICKET! Cook c Watling b Boult 116 The Kiwis have never given up today, and they deserve that wicket. A good delivery from Boult, it just does enough and Cook feathers it behind for BJ Watling. Cook finally falls and it is 231/1

Robert Hodgkins: "This morning can't get much better as I sit here nursing my beloved Golden Retriever, who's been ill for four months - Captain Cook and Compo steady the ship; The Danish tax office are giving ME money back for 2012; and I finally believe that we have a diagnosis (and hopefull prognosis) for Jack the Dog. Ring the bells and break out the grog!!!! Oh and good morning to all insomniacs out there! Rob with Jack,The White Prince in Denmark". Aw, nice email. Hope your canine pal gets better, Robert.

OVER 84: ENG 231/0 (Cook 116* Compton 99*) Southee gives (whether by device or design) Compton a juicy, wide one outside off. He leaves it. Now he flap-smears a ball to leg for one. Cook has a word, tells him to relax and take it easy. Cook now tickles a poor ball very fine for four. Single for Cook. Now an absolute snorter from Southee - the ball of the day. The ball of any day. An absolutely unplayable leg-cutter that seams away and climbs. Where did that come from?! Nick C just lucky to miss it. Compton tucks the ball off his pads for two and he is onto the dreaded 99*.

OVER 83: ENG 222/0 (Cook 111* Compton 96*) Poor Nick Compton cannot buy a run! Cut picks out point. Flick off the pads straight to square leg. Finally gets one off the fifth ball of the over. Just one hit away now. Cook blocks the last ball of the over.

OVER 82: ENG 221/0 (Cook 111* Compton 95*) Southee. There's a single to Cook, and then Southee does a good job of keeping Compton on the wire with some tight stuff on and around off. Five overs left. He is going to do it today, right?

OVER 81: ENG 220/0 (Cook 110* Compton 95*) Ha, isn't pressure an amazing thing in sport? Having looked in total control all day, the batsmen suddenly look a bit skittish as they try to get Compton to his ton. Trent Boult takes the new ball, and Compton turns his first delivery with it to midwicket via inside edge. He sets off for a run! Martin throws. Would have been out with a direct hit. Compton dives home and the throw misses. Just two singles off the over.

OVER 80: ENG 218/0 (Cook 109* Compton 94*) Compton turns it to square leg and hares off for a run, Cook is a bit slow out of the traps. A decent enough throw, Watling is maybe a tad slow to have the bails off and, although it is tight, Cook is home. New ball is due.

OVER 79: ENG 217/0 (Cook 109* Compton 93*) Wagner doing a good job for his side here, keeping Compton pinned down with five dots. I think that makes 21 balls for just two runs for Compton. He manges one off the last ball of the over.

OVER 78: ENG 216/0 (Cook 109* Compton 92*) Cook drives Martin for four. The skip faces all six in the over. I think we really need to get Nick to his ton before that new pill.

OVER 77: ENG 212/0 (Cook 105* Compton 92*) Wagner keeps Cook on strike, which may sound odd, but I mean that it keeps Compton stewing up the other end.

OVER 76: ENG 211/0 (Cook 104* Compton 92*) A single to Cook, Compton plays out four dots.

OVER 75: ENG 210/0 (Cook 103* Compton 92*) The admirable Neil Wagner back on. Two to Compton. Come on Nick, lad. You can do it.

Cook has only hit one run through the 'V' in his innings. Everything behind or square of the wicket.

OVER 74: ENG 208/0 (Cook 103* Compton 90*) With the landmark in sight, Cook shifts up through the gears. He cuts Martin for two. Another cut brings him four, taking him onto 99. Defends into the offside. Can he get it off this, the last ball of the over? Yes he can! Alastair Cook sweeps hard and true, four runs, and that is yet another hundred for the England skipper. Well batted, sir. What a player this man is.

OVER 73: ENG 198/0 (Cook 93* Compton 90*) Kane Williamson on, he serves up a dreadful full toss first ball, easy four for Compo.

Daniel Brown: "Play as sluggish as I'm feeling, having just got on a transfer bus from Les Arc ski resort back to the airport. Will Compton make his ton if I allow myself a little nap?!"

OVER 72: ENG 194/0 (Cook 93* Compton 86*) Southee and McCullum have another plan; this time it's the short stuff. Compton is happy to take it on, and on this pitch at this pace, so he should be. Two pulls, the first goes fine for four, the second well struck but to the man on the midwicket boundary. Be nice if these two could get their tons before the new ball.

OVER 71: ENG 189/0 (Cook 93* Compton 81*) Eyes down for the last hour of the day. Just one off Martin's over, Compton is annoyed with himself for failing to punish a legside full toss.

OVER 70: ENG 188/0 (Cook 93* Compton 80*) Tim Southee on for a spell. McCullum keeping things as fresh as he can. He's got two short-ish midwickets and a man back on the legside. Southee not really bowling to any discernible plan though, as far as I can tell. That's drinks. And England trail by 105.

OVER 69: ENG 185/0 (Cook 92* Compton 78*) Cook glides into the nineties, helping himself to a cheap four as Martin dishes it up short and wide outside off. That remorseless cut shot again.

OVER 68: ENG 181/0 (Cook 88* Compton 78*) Cook dabs Boult into the covers for two and then scurries a quick single. England, trailing by 112, are in the unusual position of being miles behind in the game and yet in total control. That could of course all change, but... The next match, at Wellington, is expected to see a pitch with pace and bounce.

OVER 67: ENG 178/0 (Cook 85* Compton 78*) Only a short break for spinner Bruce Martin, then. He's back earning his corn with a tidy over that yields two singles.

OVER 66: ENG 176/0 (Cook 84* Compton 77*) McCullum has got catchers in front of the wicket, men on the checked drive and short midwicket. Bit better from Boult, not so much width, and Cook is kept honest. Blots the copybook with ball six, too wide and Cook belts that for four.

OVER 65: ENG 172/0 (Cook 80* Compton 77*) Nice cover drive again from Compton. Four. But now he plays and misses at Wagner as the ball swings away a tad.

OVER 64: ENG 168/0 (Cook 80* Compton 73*) Trent Boult is on for a spell and we are just looking at his beehive to Cook on the TV. He has bowled too wide to the England captain. That said, he manages to get Cook pushing at a ball that just wobbles away an inch or two, taking a thick outside edge of Cook's bat. Runs away for four. A couple of things happening for the Kiwis since tea. It's got a bit warmer there, maybe that is helping the swing a touch?

OVER 63: ENG 164/0 (Cook 76* Compton 73*) Oooh! A moment. Nearly a moment. Half a moment. Wagner shapes a ball back into Cook a little bit and clips his inside edge onto the pads.

OVER 62: ENG 163/0 (Cook 75* Compton 73*) Compton solid as a rock to Martin. He's now faced 200 balls. England trail by 130.

OVER 61: ENG 163/0 (Cook 75* Compton 73*) Compton prepared to drive, despite the fact that the ball is shaping a very little bit, and why not? He pings a wide one away for an attractive four through mid off. Similar shot next ball for one. Earlier in the over, Wagner is straight to Cook, who works him for a two and a one.

OVER 60: ENG 155/0 (Cook 72* Compton 68*) Couple to Compo off Martin but I reckon if anything is going to happen it is going to happen from Wagner's end.

OVER 59: ENG 153/0 (Cook 72* Compton 66*) That's a good nut from Wagner, straight and plenty of effort behind it. I think the ball might be just starting to reverse a little, maybe? Pings Cook on the pad via a big inside edge and there's an appeal - I can't even remember the Kiwis asking the umpire "howzat?" in the afternoon. Yes, deffo some inswing from Wagner in this over. That said, Cook cuts a poor wide ball for four and tucks a straight one away for two. But some signs of encouragement at least.

OVER 58: ENG 147/0 (Cook 66* Compton 66*) Three off Martin's over.

OVER 57: ENG 144/0 (Cook 65* Compton 64*) Wagner deals the first three balls wide of Cook's off stump. This could be a long evening session at this rate. Now he bowls one on middle and leg, and Cook works it for one. Compton off drives for four.

OVER 56: ENG 139/0 (Cook 64* Compton 60*) Another maiden, Compton taking no chances with the spinner, Bruce Martin.

OVER 55: ENG 139/0 (Cook 64* Compton 60*) And that's a maiden to Cook. Wagner giving Cook too many wide balls outside off.

02.30 So the players are back out. Bad news for the Kiwi bowlers - and physios - if they have to keep plugging away today and tomorrow, what with the next Test coming in just three days after this one. Neil Wagner, the pick of the Kiwi bowlers in the previous session, resumes.

02.10 That is the TEA interval. England put on 50 in the first hour and just 31 in the second hour of that session. 81 runs in the afternoon, not a chance to speak of. I think one ball turned a bit, nothing whatsoever for the seamers and, with Cook and Compton thinking only of occupation, there hasn't been a lot to write home about. Still, England doing a job as they look to make amends for their poor showing earlier in the match. They still trail by 154. The pitch is an odd one: hard and flat and then with a layer of tufty dead grass on the top, which is preventing the surface from breaking up or causing the ball to become scuffed up for the reverse swing men.

OVER 54: ENG 139/0 (Cook 64* Compton 60*) And it will be bowled by Martin. After a poor legside ball to start, which Copmton dobs to long leg there's some good flight and it's accurate stuff, but there is no turn. That will be tea.

OVER 53: ENG 137/0 (Cook 64* Compton 58*) A two to Cook and a brace of singles off Williamson as we wind down for the tea interval. Time for one more I reckon.

OVER 52: ENG 133/0 (Cook 61* Compton 57*) No ball and a Cook single off Southee, but more importantly than that, we're watching TV pictures of a Kiwi bloke dressed up as a Naughty Nurse. He's just shown the camera his bum. It is horrible, horrible stuff.

OVER 51: ENG 131/0 (Cook 60* Compton 57*) Williamson turns one. Flicks Compton's inside edge and pops up a yard or so from the reach of the man at bat pad. Maiden

OVER 50: ENG 131/0 (Cook 60* Compton 57*) Southee's lucky that this pair are in full-on block mode, because he's serving up some right old rubbish. Compton pulls one short one straight to fine leg, should have put that away probably although you can understand why Compo is thinking only of surviving and getting a priceless ton.

OVER 49: ENG 130/0 (Cook 60* Compton 56*) Three off Kane Williamson (two and a one to NC) but I'm not going to waste your time telling you too much about it. It wasn't very exciting stuff from bowler or batsmen.

OVER 48: ENG 127/0 (Cook 60* Compton 53*) Near Mitchell-esque radar problems for Southee, can't bowl two on the same side of the wicket. Cook helps a leg-side stinker on its sorry way for four.

OVER 47: ENG 123/0 (Cook 56* Compton 53*) Kane Williamson on for some of his off-spin type product. Compton drives for two, doesn't really get to it. Misses with a cut, poor shot. God, you wouldn't want to get out to this.

Loving this tweet. One for the ladies.

OVER 46: ENG 121/0 (Cook 56* Compton 51*) Single for Compton. Not much cop from Southee. Around the wicket to Cook and it's too wide and easy to leave. Comes over the wicket and it's again too wide. Obviously anything's possible, but I can't see Cook repeating his folly of the first innings and slapping one to point. Have to make him play. Oh dear, Accidental Boycott.

OVER 45: ENG 120/0 (Cook 56* Compton 50*) Good shot from Compton, using the feet and driving hard but very well fielded by, I think, Wagner at midwicket. Compton has to scurry back to make his ground and there is no run. But Martin kindly offers up a legside full toss next ball and Compton works that away to leg for a half century. Couple to Cook.

OVER 44: ENG 115/0 (Cook 54* Compton 47*) Tim Southee has a bowl. Not very accurate fare but neither batsmen is in the mood to clobber him. One to Compo.

David Parkinson writes: "The NZ TAB (the only place to bet on sports events in NZ), are now heavily favouring a draw at $1.22, (down from $1.50 at lunch), NZ are $4.25 for a win, (up from $2.50) and England $25.00 for a win, (down from $40.00). Surely only two possible outcomes given the time available? Question for you, should I hoist my England flag yet?" I should have a massive lump on an England win, and see if you can get it in a win double with Olympic gymnastics heroine Beth Tweddle to be crowned Pope. Thank me later. With money.

OVER 43: ENG 114/0 (Cook 54* Compton 46*) Cook not played an attacking shot for a wee while, but now he cuts Martin for a couple. Single to Compton as well.

OVER 42: ENG 111/0 (Cook 52* Compton 45*) Serious business as Trent Boult bowls a tidy maiden to Ali Cook.

OVER 41: ENG 111/0 (Cook 52* Compton 45*) Martin maiden to Compton. McCullum fiddling with the field - silly point, another slip, sill mid, in and out, probably just to mess with Compton's head as much as anything. Just been to the Coke machine to get a Coke. It's gone up to 70p. Pull change out of pocket. Have 69 pence. Thanks for that, THE MAN.

OVER 40: ENG 111/0 (Cook 52* Compton 45*) Boult. Compton drives him into the covers, Two Metre Peter dives over the ball, classic big man effort, and Compo gets a cheap three.

01.10 DRINKS: The first hour of the afternoon session produces 50 runs in 17 overs, nothing in the very flat pitch, and the Kiwis' solid but unspectacular bowling looks pretty manageable to the England pair. This, frankly, is the sort of pattern we were expecting before the series, but hats off to England for making this Test exciting by batting like toilets in the first dig. England trail by 185

OVER 39: ENG 108/0 (Cook 52* Compton 42*) Having not had much of a look at him in the first part of the session, Compo is now monopolising Martin's attention. He faces all six of that over, single off the last ball and that is drinks.

OVER 38: ENG 107/0 (Cook 52* Compton 41*) Nothing for Boult in pitch or through the air and Compton looks solid in behind that over. He takes a single. Decent pace from Boult, he's really putting his back into it - and what else can you do on this sort of a deck?

OVER 37: ENG 106/0 (Cook 52* Compton 40*) Compo more assured in that over, flicks Martin for one.

OVER 36: ENG 105/0 (Cook 52* Compton 39*) Boult straying onto the Cook pads too often. Probably fortune to get out of the over with just two against his name, both runs in one shot to the legside by Ali. Boult not done anything as yet.

OVER 35: ENG 103/0 (Cook 50* Compton 39*) It's a Martin maiden to Compton, and it's well bowled, bit of variation in the flight and Compo is forward not entirely assuredly. Huge knock for his career. Harsh to say, but I reckon he needs a ton here to have a future in the Test side. I'm not saying that's fair or right, but that's how I see it.

OVER 34: ENG 103/0 (Cook 50* Compton 39*) Time for the first bowling change of the session as Trent Boult comes on. There's just a single off his over, as Compo dabs to point.

OVER 33: ENG 102/0 (Cook 50* Compton 38*) Martin - not the grumpy GP who moves to Cornwall, the other one - bowls to Alastair Cook, who drives into the offside for two. Then he tucks one off his pads to bring up a very welcome half century. Well batted, Ali. Didn't look quite himself in the ODIs. Ton up, and all. England trail by 191

OVER 32: ENG 98/0 (Cook 47* Compton 37*) Wagner - not the one off X Factor, the other one - continues. Solid fare in the main, bar a legside ball that Cook happily helps off his legs for four. Three singles and England are going to walk this. There. I've said it.

OVER 31: ENG 91/0 (Cook 41* Compton 36*) Compton faces his first over of spin since lunch, Bruce Martin obvs, and it's a maiden.

OVER 30: ENG 91/0 (Cook 41* Compton 36*) Wagner plugging away but Cook is increasingly looking like he might be there for a while. Four leg byes and a single in the over.

OVER 29: ENG 86/0 (Cook 41* Compton 35*) Cook is untroubled as he sees out a maiden against Martin. Oh awesome, they're doing the Pope vote soon? Who do you fancy? I've had 20 quid on little Dennis Wise, reckon he's the value bet at 6/1. Big money for Beppe off of EastEnders though, we're hearing. Ginger Spice looks like the rag at double carpet. Look out for Torville and Dean demonstrating the Bolero.

OVER 28: ENG 86/0 (Cook 41* Compton 35*) Wagner to Compton. Two fours: one a nice pull that prompts the bowler to go back over the wicket. The other a loose drive that squirts for four through gully. I like the look of Wagner. Shame that McClenaghan pulled up lame, I thought he was impressive in the coloured-clothing crick. Couple of singles also in this over and England are coming along nicely.

Colin writes: "All results are possible with KP in the side." Yeah, we're not into the wild optimism bit of the evening yet. A couple more hours of solid England, a couple of Jamies and then we can start wondering what might happen if Kev could come in and get a run-a-ball 150....

OVER 27: ENG 76/0 (Cook 40* Compton 26*) Cook starting to look in control, classy. He produces two top quality sweeps off Martin, perfectly executed, low risk and there are two fours. But now some encouragement for Martin as he turns a ball quite sharply, it beats batsman and keeper down the legside for two byes. Ten off the over. I always worry a bit for England in these situations that they dry up completely and just try to bat time, and then you get lads getting out after 95 minutes having scored 1. Let's not mention Adelaide, obviously, but that's the ne plus ultra.

OVER 26: ENG 66/0 (Cook 32* Compton 26*) Couple of singles. And now Wagner produces the bouncer he was looking for! Wide on the crease, hostile, into Compton's armpit and he fends at it unconvincingly, squirting the ball off his bat's shoulder exactly where a short leg fielder... isn't.

OVER 25: ENG 64/0 (Cook 31* Compton 25*) Tight maiden from Bruce Martin, who gets one ball to turn quite significantly into Cook, albeit that the England skip had time to watch the slow turn all the way.

OVER 24: ENG 64/0 (Cook 31* Compton 25*) The left-armer Wagner comes around the wicket to Compton and tries him with an over of short stuff. Three slips and a gully - might as well have the short leg in if you're going to bother, no? A lot of it too legside, Compton misses with a pull and that wasn't a million miles away from a legsdie strangle. Not especially high quality cricket from bat or ball and that's a maiden.

OVER 23: ENG 64/0 (Cook 31* Compton 25*) That's a good confident start from Cook, picking the length well. A clip off his pads give him two, and Martin then unwisely drops short outside off. Cut away hard, Cook right in his element there. Martin won't be adding to his Test wickets tally (four) with overs like that.

12.10 The players are back out. It will be the left-arm spinner Bruce Martin to resume.

Before that, an email from our pal Peter Rowntree: "Have to feel the decision to make Matt Prior vice-captain over Stuart Broad is not due to StuBro's lack of form, but the question over his fitness. Next to Jimmy Anderson he has been England's best bowler in the match to date, and two of the missed chances were also off his bowling. But he has a very nasty injury for a fast bowler in a year which has so many test matches for England. That injury could flare at any time, or he made need to be rested as a precaution. Matt Prior though is a good choice, there can be few English cricketers in the last 20 years who have shown the ability that he has to fight England's cause. England will need all his courage to save this match in the second innings."

11.59 Evening all, Tyers here for the midnight hour. New Zealand began today in splendid fashion, whacking 68 off 52 balls before declaring, but have found England's opening pair in obdurate mood. Still a long way to go though, not least because the extended day means that England will face a whopping 65 overs before the close. Much work still to be done to clean up the stench of that first innings effort.

Lunch: So... a session of two halves for England. McCullum won the first period hands down, he led the way as his side added 58 in 8.4 overs, the captain making 30 of them. It could not have gone better for the Kiwis although England - and especially Stuart Broad - were out of luck several times. McCullum would have liked at least one wicket, though, in the 22 overs they had at the tourists, to feel that they were in a winning position and could perhaps just have that one more veggie samosa at lunch. Fraid not, boys! Power drinks and some energy bars only - you still need 10 wickets. Alan Tyers will be here shortly. Thanks for reading - good night.

Over 22: Eng 58-0 (Cook 25*, Compton 25) Punch through the covers off the back foot by Compton, he's played a couple of those now, this time he gets three runs off Southee's first ball. Cook then clips to long-leg for one. Both players looking to get off strike so they can think about their lunch? Compton sees out the last four balls, however.

England start their 22nd over. They need to bat 87 today. And then probably bat through till at least tea tomorrow. So a long way to go still. This will be the last over before lunch, though.

And finally.... 2007-08 - New Zealand 1 England 2 (3 Tests) - New Zealand achieved only their eighth Test win over England, as the tourists played a Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton, for the first time. Ross Taylor made his maiden Test century, 120, as the Kiwis took a first-innings lead of 122. Ryan Sidebottom took England’s 11th Test hat-trick, but Kyle Mills (four for 16) helped dismiss England for 110 (chasing 300) in the last innings, despite Ian Bell’s unbeaten 54. England ditched Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard for the second Test at Wellington, and levelled the series thanks to a 126-run win. Tim Ambrose scored 102 (his only Test ton), and James Anderson and Sidebottom enjoyed five-wicket hauls. There was no fairytale ending for Stephen Fleming in his 111th and final Test at Napier’s McLean Park, England coming from behind to win a three-Test series for only the third time. Kevin Pietersen made 129 in the first innings, and Andrew Strauss a career-resurrecting 177 and Bell 110 in the second. Fleming made 59 and 66 to nudge his final Test average above 40, but Sidebottom (seven for 47) and Monty Panesar (six for 126) sealed the win.

Over 21: Eng 54-0 (Cook 24*, Compton 22) Martin's first over. Shouts for lbw against Compton. Going down leg and inside edge? Compton then tucks through square-leg for two. He also takes a single into the covers.

Blast from the past! 2001-02 - New Zealand 1 England 1 (3 Tests) – New Zealand hit back to level it after England had controlled the series, although the series was clouded by the terrible news during the second Test that Ben Hollioake had been killed in a car crash in Australia. England just held on to win the first Test at Christchurch’s Jade Stadium (for the first time a big rugby venue was being used for a New Zealand Test against England, with a drop-in pitch). Nasser Hussain (106) rediscovered his form and then Matthew Hoggard (seven for 63) ensured a first-innings lead of 81. Aggressive innings from Graham Thorpe (200 not out) and Andrew Flintoff (137) seemingly put England in an impregnable position, only for Nathan Astle’s astonishing 222 from 168 balls to take the Kiwis close (it smashed the record for quickest double-century, set by Adam Gilchrist just three weeks earlier). Glorious failure, indeed. A first-day wash out at Wellington contributed to a draw in the second Test (England fought manfully after the Hollioake news had broken at lunch on day one); then a match haul of nine for 116 by Daryl Tuffey saw the hosts level the series at Eden Park (captain Nasser Hussain complained about the use of the floodlights that had ensured the hosts’ batsmen had enough time to set up the win).

Over 20: Eng 51-0 (Cook 24*, Compton 19) Compton has been a bit quiet but he pushes through point for two; then he punches Southee through mid-on for a single. Two balls later (the fifth of the over) Cook also scores a couple, puilling to long-leg to bring the 50 up.

Blast from the past! 1996-97 – New Zealand 0 England 2 (3 Tests) – After a dismal (the flippin’ murdered ’em) tour to Zimbabwe, the pressure eased on Mike Atherton’s captaincy thanks to the victories at Wellington and Christchurch. New Zealand, under the short-lived captaincy of Lee Germon, made a good start in Auckland through Stephen Fleming’s 129, but Alec Stewart’s 173 and Graham Thorpe’s 119 gave the tourists a decent first-innings lead. Nathan Astle made an unbeaten 102 and was joined by an unlikely ally in Danny Morrison, who faced 133 balls for an unbeaten 14, to make the game safe. At the Basin Reserve the pace bowling Darren Gough and Andrew Caddick – coupled with Graham Thorpe’s 108 - proved too good for the hosts. Then in the third Test at Lancaster Park, England, after conceding a first-innings deficit of 118, chased a target of more than 300 for only the second time in their history, Atherton – coincidentally – making 118 out of 307 for six.

Over 19: Eng 46-0 (Cook 22*, Compton 16) Maiden over by Wagner. Edging towards lunch.

Over 18: Eng 46-0 (Cook 22*, Compton 16) Cook clips through midwicket for three. Mike Atherton talking about how he thought Glen Chapple would be better than Jimmy Anderson when they first appeared in the Lancashire dressing room.

Over 17: Eng 43-0 (Cook 19*, Compton 16) Lovely drive from Cook through the covers to a Wagner ball that is shaping slightly away from him. He then takes one down to long-leg off he last ball. Good progress this by England.

Some discussion about whether New Zealand were right to use one of their reviews on Compton - or whether they should have held it back for a 'gun' player, like KP!

Blast from the past! 1991-92 – New Zealand 0 England 2 (3 Tests) – A successful tour, which was in part put down to a period of rest and thorough preparation beforehand thanks to the sponsorship of the City firm Whittingdale. Alec Stewart benefited from the absence of Richard Hadlee by scoring 148 before Phil Tufnell’s 11 wickets sealed an innings win at Christchurch, and captain Gooch’s 114 took England to victory at Auckland. Stewart (107) and Allan Lamb (142), and John Wright (116) and Andrew Jones (143) then ensured a draw at Wellington in a match sadly recalled for David Lawrence’s horrific knee injury. England just ran out of steam afterwards when they reached the final of the World Cup in Australasia.

Over 16: Eng 38-0 (Cook 14*, Compton 16*) Massive appeal against Compton for caught behind down the legside, off Southee. Umpire Asad Rauf says no says McCullum refers, Rod Tucker on TV doesn't see anything (no mark on bat, thigh pad, nothing), nor do we, and - despite BJ Watling's excitement - there is no clear evidence, and Compton survives! McCullum loses a review. Bob Willis bemoans the amount of time used up there - nearly four minutes.

Over 15: Eng 37-0 (Cook 13, Compton 16*) Another single to Compton, into the covers, off the fourth ball of Wagner's fourth over. Cook then clips through square-leg for a couple, and gets three off the final ball of the over, hitting into the same region.

Over 14: Eng 31-0 (Cook 8, Compton 15*) Cook tucks the third ball of Boult's over to long-leg for one. Compton drops the ball into the covers and darts through for one, last ball of over. Good rotation of strike.

Over 13: Eng 29-0 (Cook 7*, Compton 14) Maiden from Wagner. Attritional Test cricket .... the antithesis of McCullum's frenzied hitting this morning.

Over 12: Eng 29-0 (Cook 7*, Compton 14) Boult on the money again - a maiden. But England negotiate another over safely.

Thanks for that, Warnie.

Blast from the past! 1987-88 – New Zealand 0 England 0 (3 Tests) – England were hoping for a trouble-free tour after Mike Gatting’s spat with Shakoor Rana in Pakistan earlier in the winter, but a Graham Dilley outburst put paid to that. Dilley felt he had dismissed Martin Crowe caught off his boot on a lively surface at Christchurch. The umpire did not concur and Dilley bellowed “Jesus, s--t, b----cks”. Gatting said he could not chastise him as “he had been trying 300 per cent”, though Dilley was fined £250. In that Test Chris Broad made 114. Ultimately England – without Ian Botham, Graham Gooch and David Gower – were forced to settle for a three-Test stalemate against the hosts, who also struggled without Richard Hadlee. The pitches at Eden Park and the Basin Reserve were more benign, with John Wright (103) and Mark Greatbatch (107 not out, on debut) ensuring a draw in the former (the first Test to end on a Leap Day), and Crowe (143, his ninth Test century and highest against England) and Ken Rutherford (107 not out, his first in Tests) grinding the tourists into the dust in the latter (with the last two days washed out). England had now drawn six Tests in a row, and gone a record-equalling 13 without a win.

Over 11: Eng 29-0 (Cook 7*, Compton 14) Compton helps a loose delivery from Wagner down to fine-leg for four third ball. It's drinks.

Over 10: Eng 25-0 (Cook 7*, Compton 10) Boult's been tidy, only the fourth ball goes for runs, Cook tucking through midwicket for two.

Over 9: Eng 23-0 (Cook 5*, Compton 10) Wagner on, looking to make another dramatic start. Cook pushes into the offside for one. Rest of the over tidy, not giving anything to Compton.

Over 8: Eng 22-0 (Cook 4*, Compton 10) Probing over by Boult. Inside edge on to pad. Then a ball that he did well to leave. If Compton can get through this it will do him he world of good.

Over 7: Eng 21-0 (Cook 4*, Compton 10) Compton nicks it. For four. Thick edge. Along the ground, though.

Blast from the past! 1983-84 – New Zealand 1 England 0 (3 Tests) – This has been described as England’s most miserable winter. They suffered a series defeat in New Zealand for the first time and the Mail on Sunday accused members of Bob Willis’s squad of smoking pot there, although the Test and County Cricket Board put them in the clear. Ian Botham (138) and Derek Randall (164) helped England to a first-innings lead of 244 in the first Test at Wellington, but Martin Crowe (100) and Jeremy Coney (174 not out) led the hosts to a draw.

Bob Willis took his 308th Test wicket to beat Fred Trueman’s England record. Fortified, New Zealand then hammered England inside 12 hours at Christchurch.

Richard Hadlee scored 99 against bowling Willis labelled the worst he had seen in Tests (England did not field a spinner for only the third time, and Tony Pigott was drafted in from playing for Wellington because of injuries to Graham Dilley and Neil Foster).

Hadlee then recorded match figures of eight for 46 as the tourists totalled 82 and 93. John Wright (130), Jeff Crowe (128) and Ian Smith (a maiden Test ton, 113 not out) batted England out of the third Test at Eden Park, despite Derek Randall’s 104.

Over 6: Eng 17-0 (Cook 4*, Compton 6) Nice back-foot drive from Compton, takes four off Boult. Confidence-booster. Then a quick single, had to hurry.

It had been a quiet night on Twitter, until this sensational development:

Over 5: Eng 12-0 (Cook 4, Compton 1*) Two leg-byes first ball, but otherwise fairly non-eventful over from Southee.

Over 4: Eng 10-0 (Cook 4, Compton 1*) Four more runs, but byes. They all count! 'Four more to the En-ger-lund' cry the Barmies. Compton - understandably - looks a little nervy.

Over 3: Eng 6-0 (Cook 4, Compton 1*) Cook hits a four backward of the point. But then a huge shout for lbw, Southee pleads, but the captain has got an inside edge. Cook looked good first innings (brief as his stay was ), but was then dropped, and then played a poor shot to be caught.

Over 2: Eng 2-0 (Cook 0*, Compton 1) Compton avoids a pair with a confident push through mid-off. He needs a score here. England also get a leg-bye. Trent 'Matt Holland' Boult the bowler.

Over 1: Eng 0-0 (Cook 0, Compton 0*) That is one over out of the way. Tim Southee the bowler, no alarms.

But back to reality, and England enter escapology mode. Cook, Trott, Prior and Broad must not repeat their shots from first innings. And Compton needs to be more assertive in defence after his weak prod first time around.

Blast from the past! The latest in my popular series recalling past NZ v England Test encounters. This one is a good 'un!
1977-78 – New Zealand 1 England 1 (3 Tests) – This is the series that will always be remembered for captain Geoff Boycott being run out by Ian Botham.

For once England did not arrive straight after an Ashes, and maybe they were not battle-hardened enough at the start of the series as New Zealand beat them for the first time.

England had been bowled out for 64 chasing a target of only 137 thanks to the brilliance of Richard Hadlee (six for 26) to lose the first Test at Wellington. Botham struck a century in the second Test at Christchurch and then took five wickets to put England on top.

The tourists needed quick runs, but Boycott (who was in charge after Mike Brearley broke his arm in Pakistan) was frustrating his team-mates.

He had hit 77 in seven hours in the first Test, and in the second innings this time he had reached 26 from 80 balls when Botham - who had been promoted to No4 by vice-captain Bob Willis with the instruction to “go and run the bugger [Boycott] out” duly obliged. “What have you done, what have you done?” Boycott asked.

Botham replied: “I’ve run you out, you ----”. Willis and Botham then went through the Kiwis to level the series. The match will also be remembered for Ewen Chatfield controversially running out Derek Randall at the non-striker’s end (only the third time in Tests this has happened).

Back-to-back centuries by Geoff Howarth, and a dour one from Clive Radley in the tourists’ only innings, ensured the third Test at Auckland was drawn.

What a session for New Zealand (58 in 8.4 overs), and a pretty decent declaration. England have a mountain to climb here. Although they may feel a decent chunk of the day has been used up, because of the extra-long days there are still 87 overs to go today!

Over 116.4: NZ 460-9 declared (Wagner 4 not out) Finn on. The new short run hasn't paid dividends for him in this Test so far. Anderson (4 for 137) and Anderson (three for 118) have semi-respectable figures ... Finn (nought for 102) not so clever. But he finally strikes. Martin looking to run the ball down to third man again, and is snaffled by Prior.

Martin c Prior b Finn 41 (460-9)

Over 116: NZ 460-8 (Martin 41*, Wagner 4) Down to third man (Cook has seen sense), but he is too wide to cut it off... lovely shot from Martin, an upper-cut just helping Broad (coming from around the wicket) on his way. Also a single sixth ball. Closing in on a 50 on Test debut.

Over 115: NZ 455-8 (Martin 36*, Wagner 4) Alastair Cook taking some stick for not having a third man (17 runs conceded this morning). Neil Wagner clips through midwicket for two second ball, then thick edge to third man for another couple.

Over 114: NZ 451-8 (Martin 36*, Wagner 0) Martin pushes through gully for four to Broad's annoyance. Rest of the over goes well for England's seamer, who looks as if he is finding his form again, steaming in again after his travails in the subcontinent last winter.

McCullum c Anderson b Broad 74 (447-7, 113.1 overs) Steepling catch calmly taken by Anderson. Broad back in the wickets - three now. Shame for the crowd as McCullum was extremnely entertaining this morning.

Over 113: NZ 447-7 (McCullum 74*, Martin 32) McCullum pulls for two. Then takes a single to long-on. Martin meanwhile drives on the up through the covers, an excellent shot. Martin then takes a quick one. And McCullum also grabs a single to keep the strike.

Over 112: NZ 438-7 (McCullum 70, Martin 27*) Unlucky for Broad, McCullum beaten and edges, second slip would have pocketed. Four. Then a slash to deep cover and Nick Compton bravely dives and nearly takes it in the face. Technically a chance but as hard as it gets. Not that Broad looks convinced.

Then a thick edge for Bruce Martin for four. Another good ball form Broad, and he is livid. Sharp bouncer, Martin tries to take evasive action and it hits him. But then Martin replies and smashes a shortish ball dismissively over midwicket. 4-1-4-0-4-0. Just what England didn't want, but Broad a bit unlucky.

Over 111: NZ 425-7 (McCullum 65*, Martin 19) Rank long-hop by Anderson, butchered by McCullum. Got what it deserved. Two balls later a better delivery is blasted back over Anderson's head. You'd have to say the declaration appears imminent if it wasn't for the fact that McCullum always bats like this! He also keeps the strike with a single.

Over 110: NZ 412-7 (McCullum 52, Martin 19*) Stuart Broad beats McCullum with a beauty. The skipper comes up with the perfect riposte, however, as he hooks out of the ground, helping it on its way, and hitting a bus. Sensational way to bring up his 50. Then a single.

Over 109: NZ 405-7 (McCullum 45*, Martin 19) Rousing rendition of Jerusalem from the Barmy Army should inspire England. A single from McCullum, second ball to deep square-leg, and then two steered through gully by Martin.

We are starting promptly. New Zealand batting on - it struck me they could have declared. Damage limitation for England now, with two fielders on the boundary on either side. Jimmy Anderson to start...

Tonight at the Test - (hopefully) starring: Nick 'The Scrounger' Compton, Alastair 'Big X' Cook, Jonathan 'The SBO' Trott, Kevin 'The Tunnel King' Pietersen, Ian 'The Forger' Bell, Joe 'The Surveyor' Root, Matt 'The Ferret' Prior, Stuart 'Dispersal' Broad, James 'The Mole' Anderson, Steve 'Intelligence' Finn, Monty 'The Tunneller' Panesar.

If you are wondering what on earth I am talking about, they are characters from The Great Escape, and that is precisely what England need on day four (the third day of play) in the first Test against New Zealand at Dunedin.

New Zealand are poised to resume on 402 for seven, with captain Brendon McCullum on 44, and debutant Bruce Martin, the first-day spin-king, on 17. That is a lead of 235 after England's dismal first-innings 167.

The tourists have done it before, most notably in the first Test of the Ashes series at Brisbane, thanks in the main to Cook and Trott. Our cricket correspondent, Derek Pringle, puts their chances at about 30 per cent.

Two things could help them. 1) This New Zealand is handy and they bowled really well in the first innings, but there is not one bowler England fear. And 2) the weather has helped the cause so far - a first-day wash-out and the final session of yesterday also being wiped out... although the groundsman is not expecting any more rain.

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OVER 86: ENG 232/1 (Compton 100* Finn 0*) A full ball from Southee, Compton works it to leg and they run a single. Well batted Nick. Ah, that's brilliant stuff, good on him. It was a hell of a sweat in the last ten overs or so, but he has gritted his way through to a century that should, I think, earn him a stint at the top of the England order. Finn keeps his end up: ducks a bumper and then is allowed to leave a couple. Beaten by one. The next over of the day will be the last, and Compton is on strike. Thank heavens he got the ton in this over!

David says: "Shame about Cook, however sets things up nicely for Pietersen to get in early tomorrow and redeem himself with a quick fire double century!"

OVER 85: ENG 231/1 (Compton 99* Finn 0*) Steve Finn comes in as nightwatchman and does really well to dig out a savage yorker first ball.

WICKET! Cook c Watling b Boult 116 The Kiwis have never given up today, and they deserve that wicket. A good delivery from Boult, it just does enough and Cook feathers it behind for BJ Watling. Cook finally falls and it is 231/1

Robert Hodgkins: "This morning can't get much better as I sit here nursing my beloved Golden Retriever, who's been ill for four months - Captain Cook and Compo steady the ship; The Danish tax office are giving ME money back for 2012; and I finally believe that we have a diagnosis (and hopefull prognosis) for Jack the Dog. Ring the bells and break out the grog!!!! Oh and good morning to all insomniacs out there! Rob with Jack,The White Prince in Denmark". Aw, nice email. Hope your canine pal gets better, Robert.

OVER 84: ENG 231/0 (Cook 116* Compton 99*) Southee gives (whether by device or design) Compton a juicy, wide one outside off. He leaves it. Now he flap-smears a ball to leg for one. Cook has a word, tells him to relax and take it easy. Cook now tickles a poor ball very fine for four. Single for Cook. Now an absolute snorter from Southee - the ball of the day. The ball of any day. An absolutely unplayable leg-cutter that seams away and climbs. Where did that come from?! Nick C just lucky to miss it. Compton tucks the ball off his pads for two and he is onto the dreaded 99*.

OVER 83: ENG 222/0 (Cook 111* Compton 96*) Poor Nick Compton cannot buy a run! Cut picks out point. Flick off the pads straight to square leg. Finally gets one off the fifth ball of the over. Just one hit away now. Cook blocks the last ball of the over.

OVER 82: ENG 221/0 (Cook 111* Compton 95*) Southee. There's a single to Cook, and then Southee does a good job of keeping Compton on the wire with some tight stuff on and around off. Five overs left. He is going to do it today, right?

OVER 81: ENG 220/0 (Cook 110* Compton 95*) Ha, isn't pressure an amazing thing in sport? Having looked in total control all day, the batsmen suddenly look a bit skittish as they try to get Compton to his ton. Trent Boult takes the new ball, and Compton turns his first delivery with it to midwicket via inside edge. He sets off for a run! Martin throws. Would have been out with a direct hit. Compton dives home and the throw misses. Just two singles off the over.

OVER 80: ENG 218/0 (Cook 109* Compton 94*) Compton turns it to square leg and hares off for a run, Cook is a bit slow out of the traps. A decent enough throw, Watling is maybe a tad slow to have the bails off and, although it is tight, Cook is home. New ball is due.

OVER 79: ENG 217/0 (Cook 109* Compton 93*) Wagner doing a good job for his side here, keeping Compton pinned down with five dots. I think that makes 21 balls for just two runs for Compton. He manges one off the last ball of the over.

OVER 78: ENG 216/0 (Cook 109* Compton 92*) Cook drives Martin for four. The skip faces all six in the over. I think we really need to get Nick to his ton before that new pill.

OVER 77: ENG 212/0 (Cook 105* Compton 92*) Wagner keeps Cook on strike, which may sound odd, but I mean that it keeps Compton stewing up the other end.

OVER 76: ENG 211/0 (Cook 104* Compton 92*) A single to Cook, Compton plays out four dots.

OVER 75: ENG 210/0 (Cook 103* Compton 92*) The admirable Neil Wagner back on. Two to Compton. Come on Nick, lad. You can do it.

Cook has only hit one run through the 'V' in his innings. Everything behind or square of the wicket.

OVER 74: ENG 208/0 (Cook 103* Compton 90*) With the landmark in sight, Cook shifts up through the gears. He cuts Martin for two. Another cut brings him four, taking him onto 99. Defends into the offside. Can he get it off this, the last ball of the over? Yes he can! Alastair Cook sweeps hard and true, four runs, and that is yet another hundred for the England skipper. Well batted, sir. What a player this man is.

OVER 73: ENG 198/0 (Cook 93* Compton 90*) Kane Williamson on, he serves up a dreadful full toss first ball, easy four for Compo.

Daniel Brown: "Play as sluggish as I'm feeling, having just got on a transfer bus from Les Arc ski resort back to the airport. Will Compton make his ton if I allow myself a little nap?!"

OVER 72: ENG 194/0 (Cook 93* Compton 86*) Southee and McCullum have another plan; this time it's the short stuff. Compton is happy to take it on, and on this pitch at this pace, so he should be. Two pulls, the first goes fine for four, the second well struck but to the man on the midwicket boundary. Be nice if these two could get their tons before the new ball.

OVER 71: ENG 189/0 (Cook 93* Compton 81*) Eyes down for the last hour of the day. Just one off Martin's over, Compton is annoyed with himself for failing to punish a legside full toss.

OVER 70: ENG 188/0 (Cook 93* Compton 80*) Tim Southee on for a spell. McCullum keeping things as fresh as he can. He's got two short-ish midwickets and a man back on the legside. Southee not really bowling to any discernible plan though, as far as I can tell. That's drinks. And England trail by 105.

OVER 69: ENG 185/0 (Cook 92* Compton 78*) Cook glides into the nineties, helping himself to a cheap four as Martin dishes it up short and wide outside off. That remorseless cut shot again.

OVER 68: ENG 181/0 (Cook 88* Compton 78*) Cook dabs Boult into the covers for two and then scurries a quick single. England, trailing by 112, are in the unusual position of being miles behind in the game and yet in total control. That could of course all change, but... The next match, at Wellington, is expected to see a pitch with pace and bounce.

OVER 67: ENG 178/0 (Cook 85* Compton 78*) Only a short break for spinner Bruce Martin, then. He's back earning his corn with a tidy over that yields two singles.

OVER 66: ENG 176/0 (Cook 84* Compton 77*) McCullum has got catchers in front of the wicket, men on the checked drive and short midwicket. Bit better from Boult, not so much width, and Cook is kept honest. Blots the copybook with ball six, too wide and Cook belts that for four.

OVER 65: ENG 172/0 (Cook 80* Compton 77*) Nice cover drive again from Compton. Four. But now he plays and misses at Wagner as the ball swings away a tad.

OVER 64: ENG 168/0 (Cook 80* Compton 73*) Trent Boult is on for a spell and we are just looking at his beehive to Cook on the TV. He has bowled too wide to the England captain. That said, he manages to get Cook pushing at a ball that just wobbles away an inch or two, taking a thick outside edge of Cook's bat. Runs away for four. A couple of things happening for the Kiwis since tea. It's got a bit warmer there, maybe that is helping the swing a touch?

OVER 63: ENG 164/0 (Cook 76* Compton 73*) Oooh! A moment. Nearly a moment. Half a moment. Wagner shapes a ball back into Cook a little bit and clips his inside edge onto the pads.

OVER 62: ENG 163/0 (Cook 75* Compton 73*) Compton solid as a rock to Martin. He's now faced 200 balls. England trail by 130.

OVER 61: ENG 163/0 (Cook 75* Compton 73*) Compton prepared to drive, despite the fact that the ball is shaping a very little bit, and why not? He pings a wide one away for an attractive four through mid off. Similar shot next ball for one. Earlier in the over, Wagner is straight to Cook, who works him for a two and a one.

OVER 60: ENG 155/0 (Cook 72* Compton 68*) Couple to Compo off Martin but I reckon if anything is going to happen it is going to happen from Wagner's end.

OVER 59: ENG 153/0 (Cook 72* Compton 66*) That's a good nut from Wagner, straight and plenty of effort behind it. I think the ball might be just starting to reverse a little, maybe? Pings Cook on the pad via a big inside edge and there's an appeal - I can't even remember the Kiwis asking the umpire "howzat?" in the afternoon. Yes, deffo some inswing from Wagner in this over. That said, Cook cuts a poor wide ball for four and tucks a straight one away for two. But some signs of encouragement at least.

OVER 58: ENG 147/0 (Cook 66* Compton 66*) Three off Martin's over.

OVER 57: ENG 144/0 (Cook 65* Compton 64*) Wagner deals the first three balls wide of Cook's off stump. This could be a long evening session at this rate. Now he bowls one on middle and leg, and Cook works it for one. Compton off drives for four.

OVER 56: ENG 139/0 (Cook 64* Compton 60*) Another maiden, Compton taking no chances with the spinner, Bruce Martin.

OVER 55: ENG 139/0 (Cook 64* Compton 60*) And that's a maiden to Cook. Wagner giving Cook too many wide balls outside off.

02.30 So the players are back out. Bad news for the Kiwi bowlers - and physios - if they have to keep plugging away today and tomorrow, what with the next Test coming in just three days after this one. Neil Wagner, the pick of the Kiwi bowlers in the previous session, resumes.

02.10 That is the TEA interval. England put on 50 in the first hour and just 31 in the second hour of that session. 81 runs in the afternoon, not a chance to speak of. I think one ball turned a bit, nothing whatsoever for the seamers and, with Cook and Compton thinking only of occupation, there hasn't been a lot to write home about. Still, England doing a job as they look to make amends for their poor showing earlier in the match. They still trail by 154. The pitch is an odd one: hard and flat and then with a layer of tufty dead grass on the top, which is preventing the surface from breaking up or causing the ball to become scuffed up for the reverse swing men.

OVER 54: ENG 139/0 (Cook 64* Compton 60*) And it will be bowled by Martin. After a poor legside ball to start, which Copmton dobs to long leg there's some good flight and it's accurate stuff, but there is no turn. That will be tea.

OVER 53: ENG 137/0 (Cook 64* Compton 58*) A two to Cook and a brace of singles off Williamson as we wind down for the tea interval. Time for one more I reckon.

OVER 52: ENG 133/0 (Cook 61* Compton 57*) No ball and a Cook single off Southee, but more importantly than that, we're watching TV pictures of a Kiwi bloke dressed up as a Naughty Nurse. He's just shown the camera his bum. It is horrible, horrible stuff.

OVER 51: ENG 131/0 (Cook 60* Compton 57*) Williamson turns one. Flicks Compton's inside edge and pops up a yard or so from the reach of the man at bat pad. Maiden

OVER 50: ENG 131/0 (Cook 60* Compton 57*) Southee's lucky that this pair are in full-on block mode, because he's serving up some right old rubbish. Compton pulls one short one straight to fine leg, should have put that away probably although you can understand why Compo is thinking only of surviving and getting a priceless ton.

OVER 49: ENG 130/0 (Cook 60* Compton 56*) Three off Kane Williamson (two and a one to NC) but I'm not going to waste your time telling you too much about it. It wasn't very exciting stuff from bowler or batsmen.

OVER 48: ENG 127/0 (Cook 60* Compton 53*) Near Mitchell-esque radar problems for Southee, can't bowl two on the same side of the wicket. Cook helps a leg-side stinker on its sorry way for four.

OVER 47: ENG 123/0 (Cook 56* Compton 53*) Kane Williamson on for some of his off-spin type product. Compton drives for two, doesn't really get to it. Misses with a cut, poor shot. God, you wouldn't want to get out to this.

Loving this tweet. One for the ladies.

OVER 46: ENG 121/0 (Cook 56* Compton 51*) Single for Compton. Not much cop from Southee. Around the wicket to Cook and it's too wide and easy to leave. Comes over the wicket and it's again too wide. Obviously anything's possible, but I can't see Cook repeating his folly of the first innings and slapping one to point. Have to make him play. Oh dear, Accidental Boycott.

OVER 45: ENG 120/0 (Cook 56* Compton 50*) Good shot from Compton, using the feet and driving hard but very well fielded by, I think, Wagner at midwicket. Compton has to scurry back to make his ground and there is no run. But Martin kindly offers up a legside full toss next ball and Compton works that away to leg for a half century. Couple to Cook.

OVER 44: ENG 115/0 (Cook 54* Compton 47*) Tim Southee has a bowl. Not very accurate fare but neither batsmen is in the mood to clobber him. One to Compo.

David Parkinson writes: "The NZ TAB (the only place to bet on sports events in NZ), are now heavily favouring a draw at $1.22, (down from $1.50 at lunch), NZ are $4.25 for a win, (up from $2.50) and England $25.00 for a win, (down from $40.00). Surely only two possible outcomes given the time available? Question for you, should I hoist my England flag yet?" I should have a massive lump on an England win, and see if you can get it in a win double with Olympic gymnastics heroine Beth Tweddle to be crowned Pope. Thank me later. With money.

OVER 43: ENG 114/0 (Cook 54* Compton 46*) Cook not played an attacking shot for a wee while, but now he cuts Martin for a couple. Single to Compton as well.

OVER 42: ENG 111/0 (Cook 52* Compton 45*) Serious business as Trent Boult bowls a tidy maiden to Ali Cook.

OVER 41: ENG 111/0 (Cook 52* Compton 45*) Martin maiden to Compton. McCullum fiddling with the field - silly point, another slip, sill mid, in and out, probably just to mess with Compton's head as much as anything. Just been to the Coke machine to get a Coke. It's gone up to 70p. Pull change out of pocket. Have 69 pence. Thanks for that, THE MAN.

OVER 40: ENG 111/0 (Cook 52* Compton 45*) Boult. Compton drives him into the covers, Two Metre Peter dives over the ball, classic big man effort, and Compo gets a cheap three.

01.10 DRINKS: The first hour of the afternoon session produces 50 runs in 17 overs, nothing in the very flat pitch, and the Kiwis' solid but unspectacular bowling looks pretty manageable to the England pair. This, frankly, is the sort of pattern we were expecting before the series, but hats off to England for making this Test exciting by batting like toilets in the first dig. England trail by 185

OVER 39: ENG 108/0 (Cook 52* Compton 42*) Having not had much of a look at him in the first part of the session, Compo is now monopolising Martin's attention. He faces all six of that over, single off the last ball and that is drinks.

OVER 38: ENG 107/0 (Cook 52* Compton 41*) Nothing for Boult in pitch or through the air and Compton looks solid in behind that over. He takes a single. Decent pace from Boult, he's really putting his back into it - and what else can you do on this sort of a deck?

OVER 37: ENG 106/0 (Cook 52* Compton 40*) Compo more assured in that over, flicks Martin for one.

OVER 36: ENG 105/0 (Cook 52* Compton 39*) Boult straying onto the Cook pads too often. Probably fortune to get out of the over with just two against his name, both runs in one shot to the legside by Ali. Boult not done anything as yet.

OVER 35: ENG 103/0 (Cook 50* Compton 39*) It's a Martin maiden to Compton, and it's well bowled, bit of variation in the flight and Compo is forward not entirely assuredly. Huge knock for his career. Harsh to say, but I reckon he needs a ton here to have a future in the Test side. I'm not saying that's fair or right, but that's how I see it.

OVER 34: ENG 103/0 (Cook 50* Compton 39*) Time for the first bowling change of the session as Trent Boult comes on. There's just a single off his over, as Compo dabs to point.

OVER 33: ENG 102/0 (Cook 50* Compton 38*) Martin - not the grumpy GP who moves to Cornwall, the other one - bowls to Alastair Cook, who drives into the offside for two. Then he tucks one off his pads to bring up a very welcome half century. Well batted, Ali. Didn't look quite himself in the ODIs. Ton up, and all. England trail by 191

OVER 32: ENG 98/0 (Cook 47* Compton 37*) Wagner - not the one off X Factor, the other one - continues. Solid fare in the main, bar a legside ball that Cook happily helps off his legs for four. Three singles and England are going to walk this. There. I've said it.

OVER 31: ENG 91/0 (Cook 41* Compton 36*) Compton faces his first over of spin since lunch, Bruce Martin obvs, and it's a maiden.

OVER 30: ENG 91/0 (Cook 41* Compton 36*) Wagner plugging away but Cook is increasingly looking like he might be there for a while. Four leg byes and a single in the over.

OVER 29: ENG 86/0 (Cook 41* Compton 35*) Cook is untroubled as he sees out a maiden against Martin. Oh awesome, they're doing the Pope vote soon? Who do you fancy? I've had 20 quid on little Dennis Wise, reckon he's the value bet at 6/1. Big money for Beppe off of EastEnders though, we're hearing. Ginger Spice looks like the rag at double carpet. Look out for Torville and Dean demonstrating the Bolero.

OVER 28: ENG 86/0 (Cook 41* Compton 35*) Wagner to Compton. Two fours: one a nice pull that prompts the bowler to go back over the wicket. The other a loose drive that squirts for four through gully. I like the look of Wagner. Shame that McClenaghan pulled up lame, I thought he was impressive in the coloured-clothing crick. Couple of singles also in this over and England are coming along nicely.

Colin writes: "All results are possible with KP in the side." Yeah, we're not into the wild optimism bit of the evening yet. A couple more hours of solid England, a couple of Jamies and then we can start wondering what might happen if Kev could come in and get a run-a-ball 150....

OVER 27: ENG 76/0 (Cook 40* Compton 26*) Cook starting to look in control, classy. He produces two top quality sweeps off Martin, perfectly executed, low risk and there are two fours. But now some encouragement for Martin as he turns a ball quite sharply, it beats batsman and keeper down the legside for two byes. Ten off the over. I always worry a bit for England in these situations that they dry up completely and just try to bat time, and then you get lads getting out after 95 minutes having scored 1. Let's not mention Adelaide, obviously, but that's the ne plus ultra.

OVER 26: ENG 66/0 (Cook 32* Compton 26*) Couple of singles. And now Wagner produces the bouncer he was looking for! Wide on the crease, hostile, into Compton's armpit and he fends at it unconvincingly, squirting the ball off his bat's shoulder exactly where a short leg fielder... isn't.

OVER 25: ENG 64/0 (Cook 31* Compton 25*) Tight maiden from Bruce Martin, who gets one ball to turn quite significantly into Cook, albeit that the England skip had time to watch the slow turn all the way.

OVER 24: ENG 64/0 (Cook 31* Compton 25*) The left-armer Wagner comes around the wicket to Compton and tries him with an over of short stuff. Three slips and a gully - might as well have the short leg in if you're going to bother, no? A lot of it too legside, Compton misses with a pull and that wasn't a million miles away from a legsdie strangle. Not especially high quality cricket from bat or ball and that's a maiden.

OVER 23: ENG 64/0 (Cook 31* Compton 25*) That's a good confident start from Cook, picking the length well. A clip off his pads give him two, and Martin then unwisely drops short outside off. Cut away hard, Cook right in his element there. Martin won't be adding to his Test wickets tally (four) with overs like that.

12.10 The players are back out. It will be the left-arm spinner Bruce Martin to resume.

Before that, an email from our pal Peter Rowntree: "Have to feel the decision to make Matt Prior vice-captain over Stuart Broad is not due to StuBro's lack of form, but the question over his fitness. Next to Jimmy Anderson he has been England's best bowler in the match to date, and two of the missed chances were also off his bowling. But he has a very nasty injury for a fast bowler in a year which has so many test matches for England. That injury could flare at any time, or he made need to be rested as a precaution. Matt Prior though is a good choice, there can be few English cricketers in the last 20 years who have shown the ability that he has to fight England's cause. England will need all his courage to save this match in the second innings."

11.59 Evening all, Tyers here for the midnight hour. New Zealand began today in splendid fashion, whacking 68 off 52 balls before declaring, but have found England's opening pair in obdurate mood. Still a long way to go though, not least because the extended day means that England will face a whopping 65 overs before the close. Much work still to be done to clean up the stench of that first innings effort.

Lunch: So... a session of two halves for England. McCullum won the first period hands down, he led the way as his side added 58 in 8.4 overs, the captain making 30 of them. It could not have gone better for the Kiwis although England - and especially Stuart Broad - were out of luck several times. McCullum would have liked at least one wicket, though, in the 22 overs they had at the tourists, to feel that they were in a winning position and could perhaps just have that one more veggie samosa at lunch. Fraid not, boys! Power drinks and some energy bars only - you still need 10 wickets. Alan Tyers will be here shortly. Thanks for reading - good night.

Over 22: Eng 58-0 (Cook 25*, Compton 25) Punch through the covers off the back foot by Compton, he's played a couple of those now, this time he gets three runs off Southee's first ball. Cook then clips to long-leg for one. Both players looking to get off strike so they can think about their lunch? Compton sees out the last four balls, however.

England start their 22nd over. They need to bat 87 today. And then probably bat through till at least tea tomorrow. So a long way to go still. This will be the last over before lunch, though.

And finally.... 2007-08 - New Zealand 1 England 2 (3 Tests) - New Zealand achieved only their eighth Test win over England, as the tourists played a Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton, for the first time. Ross Taylor made his maiden Test century, 120, as the Kiwis took a first-innings lead of 122. Ryan Sidebottom took England’s 11th Test hat-trick, but Kyle Mills (four for 16) helped dismiss England for 110 (chasing 300) in the last innings, despite Ian Bell’s unbeaten 54. England ditched Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard for the second Test at Wellington, and levelled the series thanks to a 126-run win. Tim Ambrose scored 102 (his only Test ton), and James Anderson and Sidebottom enjoyed five-wicket hauls. There was no fairytale ending for Stephen Fleming in his 111th and final Test at Napier’s McLean Park, England coming from behind to win a three-Test series for only the third time. Kevin Pietersen made 129 in the first innings, and Andrew Strauss a career-resurrecting 177 and Bell 110 in the second. Fleming made 59 and 66 to nudge his final Test average above 40, but Sidebottom (seven for 47) and Monty Panesar (six for 126) sealed the win.

Over 21: Eng 54-0 (Cook 24*, Compton 22) Martin's first over. Shouts for lbw against Compton. Going down leg and inside edge? Compton then tucks through square-leg for two. He also takes a single into the covers.

Blast from the past! 2001-02 - New Zealand 1 England 1 (3 Tests) – New Zealand hit back to level it after England had controlled the series, although the series was clouded by the terrible news during the second Test that Ben Hollioake had been killed in a car crash in Australia. England just held on to win the first Test at Christchurch’s Jade Stadium (for the first time a big rugby venue was being used for a New Zealand Test against England, with a drop-in pitch). Nasser Hussain (106) rediscovered his form and then Matthew Hoggard (seven for 63) ensured a first-innings lead of 81. Aggressive innings from Graham Thorpe (200 not out) and Andrew Flintoff (137) seemingly put England in an impregnable position, only for Nathan Astle’s astonishing 222 from 168 balls to take the Kiwis close (it smashed the record for quickest double-century, set by Adam Gilchrist just three weeks earlier). Glorious failure, indeed. A first-day wash out at Wellington contributed to a draw in the second Test (England fought manfully after the Hollioake news had broken at lunch on day one); then a match haul of nine for 116 by Daryl Tuffey saw the hosts level the series at Eden Park (captain Nasser Hussain complained about the use of the floodlights that had ensured the hosts’ batsmen had enough time to set up the win).

Over 20: Eng 51-0 (Cook 24*, Compton 19) Compton has been a bit quiet but he pushes through point for two; then he punches Southee through mid-on for a single. Two balls later (the fifth of the over) Cook also scores a couple, puilling to long-leg to bring the 50 up.

Blast from the past! 1996-97 – New Zealand 0 England 2 (3 Tests) – After a dismal (the flippin’ murdered ’em) tour to Zimbabwe, the pressure eased on Mike Atherton’s captaincy thanks to the victories at Wellington and Christchurch. New Zealand, under the short-lived captaincy of Lee Germon, made a good start in Auckland through Stephen Fleming’s 129, but Alec Stewart’s 173 and Graham Thorpe’s 119 gave the tourists a decent first-innings lead. Nathan Astle made an unbeaten 102 and was joined by an unlikely ally in Danny Morrison, who faced 133 balls for an unbeaten 14, to make the game safe. At the Basin Reserve the pace bowling Darren Gough and Andrew Caddick – coupled with Graham Thorpe’s 108 - proved too good for the hosts. Then in the third Test at Lancaster Park, England, after conceding a first-innings deficit of 118, chased a target of more than 300 for only the second time in their history, Atherton – coincidentally – making 118 out of 307 for six.

Over 19: Eng 46-0 (Cook 22*, Compton 16) Maiden over by Wagner. Edging towards lunch.

Over 18: Eng 46-0 (Cook 22*, Compton 16) Cook clips through midwicket for three. Mike Atherton talking about how he thought Glen Chapple would be better than Jimmy Anderson when they first appeared in the Lancashire dressing room.

Over 17: Eng 43-0 (Cook 19*, Compton 16) Lovely drive from Cook through the covers to a Wagner ball that is shaping slightly away from him. He then takes one down to long-leg off he last ball. Good progress this by England.

Some discussion about whether New Zealand were right to use one of their reviews on Compton - or whether they should have held it back for a 'gun' player, like KP!

Blast from the past! 1991-92 – New Zealand 0 England 2 (3 Tests) – A successful tour, which was in part put down to a period of rest and thorough preparation beforehand thanks to the sponsorship of the City firm Whittingdale. Alec Stewart benefited from the absence of Richard Hadlee by scoring 148 before Phil Tufnell’s 11 wickets sealed an innings win at Christchurch, and captain Gooch’s 114 took England to victory at Auckland. Stewart (107) and Allan Lamb (142), and John Wright (116) and Andrew Jones (143) then ensured a draw at Wellington in a match sadly recalled for David Lawrence’s horrific knee injury. England just ran out of steam afterwards when they reached the final of the World Cup in Australasia.

Over 16: Eng 38-0 (Cook 14*, Compton 16*) Massive appeal against Compton for caught behind down the legside, off Southee. Umpire Asad Rauf says no says McCullum refers, Rod Tucker on TV doesn't see anything (no mark on bat, thigh pad, nothing), nor do we, and - despite BJ Watling's excitement - there is no clear evidence, and Compton survives! McCullum loses a review. Bob Willis bemoans the amount of time used up there - nearly four minutes.

Over 15: Eng 37-0 (Cook 13, Compton 16*) Another single to Compton, into the covers, off the fourth ball of Wagner's fourth over. Cook then clips through square-leg for a couple, and gets three off the final ball of the over, hitting into the same region.

Over 14: Eng 31-0 (Cook 8, Compton 15*) Cook tucks the third ball of Boult's over to long-leg for one. Compton drops the ball into the covers and darts through for one, last ball of over. Good rotation of strike.

Over 13: Eng 29-0 (Cook 7*, Compton 14) Maiden from Wagner. Attritional Test cricket .... the antithesis of McCullum's frenzied hitting this morning.

Over 12: Eng 29-0 (Cook 7*, Compton 14) Boult on the money again - a maiden. But England negotiate another over safely.

Thanks for that, Warnie.

Blast from the past! 1987-88 – New Zealand 0 England 0 (3 Tests) – England were hoping for a trouble-free tour after Mike Gatting’s spat with Shakoor Rana in Pakistan earlier in the winter, but a Graham Dilley outburst put paid to that. Dilley felt he had dismissed Martin Crowe caught off his boot on a lively surface at Christchurch. The umpire did not concur and Dilley bellowed “Jesus, s--t, b----cks”. Gatting said he could not chastise him as “he had been trying 300 per cent”, though Dilley was fined £250. In that Test Chris Broad made 114. Ultimately England – without Ian Botham, Graham Gooch and David Gower – were forced to settle for a three-Test stalemate against the hosts, who also struggled without Richard Hadlee. The pitches at Eden Park and the Basin Reserve were more benign, with John Wright (103) and Mark Greatbatch (107 not out, on debut) ensuring a draw in the former (the first Test to end on a Leap Day), and Crowe (143, his ninth Test century and highest against England) and Ken Rutherford (107 not out, his first in Tests) grinding the tourists into the dust in the latter (with the last two days washed out). England had now drawn six Tests in a row, and gone a record-equalling 13 without a win.

Over 11: Eng 29-0 (Cook 7*, Compton 14) Compton helps a loose delivery from Wagner down to fine-leg for four third ball. It's drinks.

Over 10: Eng 25-0 (Cook 7*, Compton 10) Boult's been tidy, only the fourth ball goes for runs, Cook tucking through midwicket for two.

Over 9: Eng 23-0 (Cook 5*, Compton 10) Wagner on, looking to make another dramatic start. Cook pushes into the offside for one. Rest of the over tidy, not giving anything to Compton.

Over 8: Eng 22-0 (Cook 4*, Compton 10) Probing over by Boult. Inside edge on to pad. Then a ball that he did well to leave. If Compton can get through this it will do him he world of good.

Over 7: Eng 21-0 (Cook 4*, Compton 10) Compton nicks it. For four. Thick edge. Along the ground, though.

Blast from the past! 1983-84 – New Zealand 1 England 0 (3 Tests) – This has been described as England’s most miserable winter. They suffered a series defeat in New Zealand for the first time and the Mail on Sunday accused members of Bob Willis’s squad of smoking pot there, although the Test and County Cricket Board put them in the clear. Ian Botham (138) and Derek Randall (164) helped England to a first-innings lead of 244 in the first Test at Wellington, but Martin Crowe (100) and Jeremy Coney (174 not out) led the hosts to a draw.

Bob Willis took his 308th Test wicket to beat Fred Trueman’s England record. Fortified, New Zealand then hammered England inside 12 hours at Christchurch.

Richard Hadlee scored 99 against bowling Willis labelled the worst he had seen in Tests (England did not field a spinner for only the third time, and Tony Pigott was drafted in from playing for Wellington because of injuries to Graham Dilley and Neil Foster).

Hadlee then recorded match figures of eight for 46 as the tourists totalled 82 and 93. John Wright (130), Jeff Crowe (128) and Ian Smith (a maiden Test ton, 113 not out) batted England out of the third Test at Eden Park, despite Derek Randall’s 104.

Over 6: Eng 17-0 (Cook 4*, Compton 6) Nice back-foot drive from Compton, takes four off Boult. Confidence-booster. Then a quick single, had to hurry.

It had been a quiet night on Twitter, until this sensational development:

Over 5: Eng 12-0 (Cook 4, Compton 1*) Two leg-byes first ball, but otherwise fairly non-eventful over from Southee.

Over 4: Eng 10-0 (Cook 4, Compton 1*) Four more runs, but byes. They all count! 'Four more to the En-ger-lund' cry the Barmies. Compton - understandably - looks a little nervy.

Over 3: Eng 6-0 (Cook 4, Compton 1*) Cook hits a four backward of the point. But then a huge shout for lbw, Southee pleads, but the captain has got an inside edge. Cook looked good first innings (brief as his stay was ), but was then dropped, and then played a poor shot to be caught.

Over 2: Eng 2-0 (Cook 0*, Compton 1) Compton avoids a pair with a confident push through mid-off. He needs a score here. England also get a leg-bye. Trent 'Matt Holland' Boult the bowler.

Over 1: Eng 0-0 (Cook 0, Compton 0*) That is one over out of the way. Tim Southee the bowler, no alarms.

But back to reality, and England enter escapology mode. Cook, Trott, Prior and Broad must not repeat their shots from first innings. And Compton needs to be more assertive in defence after his weak prod first time around.

Blast from the past! The latest in my popular series recalling past NZ v England Test encounters. This one is a good 'un!
1977-78 – New Zealand 1 England 1 (3 Tests) – This is the series that will always be remembered for captain Geoff Boycott being run out by Ian Botham.

For once England did not arrive straight after an Ashes, and maybe they were not battle-hardened enough at the start of the series as New Zealand beat them for the first time.

England had been bowled out for 64 chasing a target of only 137 thanks to the brilliance of Richard Hadlee (six for 26) to lose the first Test at Wellington. Botham struck a century in the second Test at Christchurch and then took five wickets to put England on top.

The tourists needed quick runs, but Boycott (who was in charge after Mike Brearley broke his arm in Pakistan) was frustrating his team-mates.

He had hit 77 in seven hours in the first Test, and in the second innings this time he had reached 26 from 80 balls when Botham - who had been promoted to No4 by vice-captain Bob Willis with the instruction to “go and run the bugger [Boycott] out” duly obliged. “What have you done, what have you done?” Boycott asked.

Botham replied: “I’ve run you out, you ----”. Willis and Botham then went through the Kiwis to level the series. The match will also be remembered for Ewen Chatfield controversially running out Derek Randall at the non-striker’s end (only the third time in Tests this has happened).

Back-to-back centuries by Geoff Howarth, and a dour one from Clive Radley in the tourists’ only innings, ensured the third Test at Auckland was drawn.

What a session for New Zealand (58 in 8.4 overs), and a pretty decent declaration. England have a mountain to climb here. Although they may feel a decent chunk of the day has been used up, because of the extra-long days there are still 87 overs to go today!

Over 116.4: NZ 460-9 declared (Wagner 4 not out) Finn on. The new short run hasn't paid dividends for him in this Test so far. Anderson (4 for 137) and Anderson (three for 118) have semi-respectable figures ... Finn (nought for 102) not so clever. But he finally strikes. Martin looking to run the ball down to third man again, and is snaffled by Prior.

Martin c Prior b Finn 41 (460-9)

Over 116: NZ 460-8 (Martin 41*, Wagner 4) Down to third man (Cook has seen sense), but he is too wide to cut it off... lovely shot from Martin, an upper-cut just helping Broad (coming from around the wicket) on his way. Also a single sixth ball. Closing in on a 50 on Test debut.

Over 115: NZ 455-8 (Martin 36*, Wagner 4) Alastair Cook taking some stick for not having a third man (17 runs conceded this morning). Neil Wagner clips through midwicket for two second ball, then thick edge to third man for another couple.

Over 114: NZ 451-8 (Martin 36*, Wagner 0) Martin pushes through gully for four to Broad's annoyance. Rest of the over goes well for England's seamer, who looks as if he is finding his form again, steaming in again after his travails in the subcontinent last winter.

McCullum c Anderson b Broad 74 (447-7, 113.1 overs) Steepling catch calmly taken by Anderson. Broad back in the wickets - three now. Shame for the crowd as McCullum was extremnely entertaining this morning.

Over 113: NZ 447-7 (McCullum 74*, Martin 32) McCullum pulls for two. Then takes a single to long-on. Martin meanwhile drives on the up through the covers, an excellent shot. Martin then takes a quick one. And McCullum also grabs a single to keep the strike.

Over 112: NZ 438-7 (McCullum 70, Martin 27*) Unlucky for Broad, McCullum beaten and edges, second slip would have pocketed. Four. Then a slash to deep cover and Nick Compton bravely dives and nearly takes it in the face. Technically a chance but as hard as it gets. Not that Broad looks convinced.

Then a thick edge for Bruce Martin for four. Another good ball form Broad, and he is livid. Sharp bouncer, Martin tries to take evasive action and it hits him. But then Martin replies and smashes a shortish ball dismissively over midwicket. 4-1-4-0-4-0. Just what England didn't want, but Broad a bit unlucky.

Over 111: NZ 425-7 (McCullum 65*, Martin 19) Rank long-hop by Anderson, butchered by McCullum. Got what it deserved. Two balls later a better delivery is blasted back over Anderson's head. You'd have to say the declaration appears imminent if it wasn't for the fact that McCullum always bats like this! He also keeps the strike with a single.

Over 110: NZ 412-7 (McCullum 52, Martin 19*) Stuart Broad beats McCullum with a beauty. The skipper comes up with the perfect riposte, however, as he hooks out of the ground, helping it on its way, and hitting a bus. Sensational way to bring up his 50. Then a single.

Over 109: NZ 405-7 (McCullum 45*, Martin 19) Rousing rendition of Jerusalem from the Barmy Army should inspire England. A single from McCullum, second ball to deep square-leg, and then two steered through gully by Martin.

We are starting promptly. New Zealand batting on - it struck me they could have declared. Damage limitation for England now, with two fielders on the boundary on either side. Jimmy Anderson to start...

Tonight at the Test - (hopefully) starring: Nick 'The Scrounger' Compton, Alastair 'Big X' Cook, Jonathan 'The SBO' Trott, Kevin 'The Tunnel King' Pietersen, Ian 'The Forger' Bell, Joe 'The Surveyor' Root, Matt 'The Ferret' Prior, Stuart 'Dispersal' Broad, James 'The Mole' Anderson, Steve 'Intelligence' Finn, Monty 'The Tunneller' Panesar.

If you are wondering what on earth I am talking about, they are characters from The Great Escape, and that is precisely what England need on day four (the third day of play) in the first Test against New Zealand at Dunedin.

New Zealand are poised to resume on 402 for seven, with captain Brendon McCullum on 44, and debutant Bruce Martin, the first-day spin-king, on 17. That is a lead of 235 after England's dismal first-innings 167.

The tourists have done it before, most notably in the first Test of the Ashes series at Brisbane, thanks in the main to Cook and Trott. Our cricket correspondent, Derek Pringle, puts their chances at about 30 per cent.

Two things could help them. 1) This New Zealand is handy and they bowled really well in the first innings, but there is not one bowler England fear. And 2) the weather has helped the cause so far - a first-day wash-out and the final session of yesterday also being wiped out... although the groundsman is not expecting any more rain.

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